GPS delivers progress in Sarawak’s O&G rights unlike Chong’s inaction, says Batu Kitang rep
By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 9: Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has hit back at Sarawak Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen’s accusations that the Sarawak government is giving up its oil and gas rights, completely negating the latter’s success in securing greater revenue and advancing the State’s rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said that under Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s (GPS) leadership, Sarawak has established Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (PETROS), ensuring greater control over the State’s oil and gas resources.
“We have secured a greater share of revenue through negotiations and advanced the recognition of Sarawak’s rights under MA63.
“Meanwhile, DAP’s 40-plus members of Parliament (MPs) have done absolutely nothing to support Sarawak’s claim.
“Why isn’t Chong demanding action from his own party, and why isn’t DAP using its federal influence to push for greater recognition of Sarawak’s rights?” Lo questioned in a statement today.
His remarks followed Chong’s recent claim that an agreement between the Sarawak and federal governments on Petroliam Nasional Berhad’s (PETRONAS) operations in the State had rendered all the legal groundwork laid by the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem to assert Sarawak’s rights and fair share in oil and gas resources meaningless.
In contrast, Lo pointed out Chong’s inaction, questioning why he failed to use his position in Parliament to challenge the federal government directly or demand answers from the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
“Chong’s latest attack on GPS is based on a written parliamentary reply by Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, which he interprets as a surrender of Sarawak’s oil and gas rights.
“Yet, why didn’t he challenge the minister directly in Parliament and demand immediate clarification on the spot? Why did he remain silent when it mattered, only to hold a press conference back in Kuching?
“This inaction speaks volumes. True leaders fight where it matters most—Chong fights only where it benefits him politically,” Lo added.
Lo also reaffirmed Sarawak’s position on its oil and gas rights, emphasising that the Petroleum Development Act (PDA74) and the Territorial Sea Act (TSA) were never passed in Sarawak’s Legislative Assembly (DUN).
He reiterated that Sarawak continues to govern its resources under the Oil Mining Ordinance (OMO) 1958, with its territorial boundaries firmly intact.
“Chong should be fighting with GPS, not against GPS, to reaffirm Sarawak’s legal rights over our resources.
“Instead, he waits until GPS makes progress, then rushes to attack—hoping to take credit for any success while avoiding any real responsibility,” he highlighted. – DayakDaily
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